Fourth LB3 Florida Coaches Clinic A Success

Taking place September 20 and 21 at the beautiful Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, this free coaches’ clinic provided an amazing opportunity for coaches to learn from some of the sport’s legends and to get hands on with new Warrior and Brine product in a spectacular resort setting.

The head of LB3, Liam Banks, kicked off the event on Friday night at the meet and greet sponsored by Jax Lax, a premier team dealer and retailer out of Jacksonville, FL. This was a great time for coaches to network and to get fired up about the next day’s events. Moving into the bulk of the festivities on Saturday, all of the coaches in attendance enjoyed a well-run, exciting, informative experience.

Saturday’s classroom lineup included current Division 1 coaches (John Galloway from Providence College) and current and former MLL players and coaches, including Brine Team Elite member Joel White, Brian Silcott, Liam Banks and a presentation by Pat Colleluori on the Headstrong Foundation.

The Florida Coaches’ Convention has always been free, but this year a $25 donation was asked for in the name of the Headstrong Foundation, with every dollar going directly to the Foundation. The Colleluori family’s dedication and commitment to helping find a cure for blood cancer in the name of their brother (former Hofstra player and victim of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, Nick Colleluori, Founder of the Headstrong Foundation), is incredible and Warrior, LB3 and our partners for the event could not be happier to support them in their endeavors. Nick’s brother, Pat, briefly told the story of Nick’s RELENTLESS Battle against blood cancer. He stood tall as he proudly spoke about the overwhelming support and success stories experienced during the five years since Nick founded the foundation. Particularly touching was the introduction of Gary Bitz Jr., a 15-year-old Orlando high school student who presented a check to the Foundation for over $9,000.

Four years ago, Gary Jr. visited the Headstrong tent at the NCAA Championship weekend in Baltimore. That day he decided that he was going to make a difference and help raise awareness and money for this fight against cancer. Gary Jr. came up with the idea to put together a 27 (Nick’s number at Hofstra) hour marathon lacrosse game in his backyard with his friends and teammates to raise money for Headstrong. Gary, Jr.’s event continues to grow every year, and will hopefully inspire others to do the same to help to give back.

After the lunch break, the convention shifted to the adjacent conference space which had been transformed by Warrior, Brine and the Shingle Creek staff into a regulation sized half field. On-field demonstrations were a new addition to the program this year and the attendees were treated to some great coaching tips and techniques. All of the presenters were able to demonstrate real-world drills that the coaches in attendance could realistically use the next day in practice. Casey Powell discussed midfield pick play, Greg Gurenlian discussed faceoff and wing play, John Galloway broke down his goalie warm-up techniques and Brine Team Elite member Joel White discussed agility drills and LSM play.

At the vendor village, coaches were able to try on, touch and feel the entire Warrior and Brine product including the new Warrior Footwear and Apparel put on display by local expert dealer/merchandiser Grassroots Team Sports who handled the registration and merchandising for the event. Plans are already underway for next year’s event.

About Warrior
Headquartered in Warren, Michigan, Warrior Sports is recognized as one of the sporting goods industry’s premier manufacturers of innovative, high performance, cutting-edge equipment, footwear and apparel for lacrosse, soccer, and hockey athletes of all ages and abilities. Founded in 1993 by former champion lacrosse player David Morrow, Warrior was acquired by privately-held New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. in February 2004. Warrior is dedicated to a core set of philosophies and strengths: technical superiority, grassroots marketing, original and creative youthful expression, and strong partnerships with retailers and suppliers. Warrior’s Players Club is the best players in the world helping to make the best equipment in the world and is reserved for the top professionals in lacrosse and hockey today. For more information on Warrior please visit www.warrior.com.

About Brine
Headquartered in Warren, Michigan, Brine has been rooted in the game of Lacrosse since 1950. The successor to the original W.H. Brine Company founded in 1922, Brine was a pioneer in creating a more durable, powerful stick for the masses. Brine prides itself on being a brand dedicated to commitment, hard work and most importantly – the game of Lacrosse. For over 60 years, Brine has been innovating and improving the game of Lacrosse. Stick by stick. Head by head. Victory by victory. Visit www.brine.com for more information.